“Les Gendarmes” most likely to pull you over

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Local rules and driver habits most likely to intimidate Irish motorists driving abroad

More than a quarter of drivers in Ireland, 27%, would be anxious on some level at the prospect of driving abroad in a right hand drive country poll results released today by the AA suggest.   The poll which quizzed just short of 2,500 people on the topic last week also suggests that higher numbers of females than males are daunted by the prospect. 

The research was carried out in connection with the AA’s European Breakdown Service which is collating data on the attitudes and behaviours of Irish drivers while abroad. 

At 42%, more than double the percentage of females than males, 17%, said they would be apprehensive about getting behind the wheel in a country where they drive on the right.  It’s not the physical act of “driving on the wrong side” however that worries drivers the most the AA reveals.

Foreign road traffic laws it seems are most likely to worry those motoring abroad.  This is followed by the discomfort of dealing with unfamiliar driver customs and behaviours, alien road layouts and being stumped by the native road signs.  Right hand drive roundabouts in particular were identified as something Irish motorists are apprehensive to tackle.   

Other potential stress points featured on the AA’s list were not being able to communicate if they were to break down, getting to grips with driving a hire car and the actuality of driving on the opposite side of the road.    

“We knew road layouts were an issue for people when driving abroad but we didn’t expect traffic laws to trump that especially since the information is readily available online.”  Says Miriam O’ Neill, AA Press Officer.  “A bit of advanced research should put your mind at rest on this front.  As for the behaviour of local drivers, it all depends on where you go. Personally I was quite happy to observe Cairo traffic from the lofty heights of my tour bus; not for the faint of heart.”      

Tying in with anxieties surrounding unfamiliar road traffic laws the AA reveals that 24% of those they polled have had the experience of being stopped by the local traffic police while driving or travelling as a passenger in a car abroad.  The majority of these were stopped in France, followed in ascending order by the USA, UK, Italy and Australia. 

Almost twice as many men, 30% compared to 16%, as women shared that they had been stopped by police while driving abroad.

Of those who shared further details of their experiences being stopped by foreign traffic ploice, half  said they found them to be intimidating, a third hadn’t a clue what was being said to them and a third again drove away with a fine.  Traffic police in the UK and France appear to be most stern; 68% stopped in the UK and 55% stopped in France said they felt intimated.  This compares with 31% stopped in Italy for example.     

AA advice and requirements for driving in other countries

• Contact your motor insurer before taking a vehicle out of the Republic of Ireland. It’s important that you’re adequately covered and have the necessary documents to prove it. 
• Carry your driving licence (and IDP where necessary), original vehicle registration document and passport; you may be asked to produce any one of these items. A provisional licence is unacceptable and the minimum driving age in most countries is 18. If the vehicle is borrowed you will need a letter of authority from the registered keeper. 
• Display the IRL national identification letters on your vehicle (and any caravan or trailer you are towing) when travelling outside the EU. Irish registration plates incorporating the IRL/European Union symbol make display of a conventional sticker unnecessary when circulating within Europe. However, such identification is still required outside the EU even when displayed alongside the European Union symbol.
• Check your tyres carefully – including the spare. If you think they are likely to be worn down to below 2mm before you get back, replace them before you go.
• Consider breakdown cover such as AA European Breakdown Cover.  The benefits of the cover include; a 24 hour English speaking helpline, roadside repairs, provision of alternative transport, car hire and accommodation in an emergency and repatriation of the vehicle back to Ireland if required.   
• Make sure you have the required equipment for the countries in which you are travelling.  A breathalyser, 2 warning trianagles and a hi vis vest are legally required in France for example.
• Study the rules of the road and general driving advice for your destination in advance of travel.
• Remember that children under 12 and/or 1.5 metres in height are not permitted to travel as front seat passengers in some countries and in others may only do so when using an approved restraint system. However, never use rearward facing child restraint in front seat with an airbag.
• Don’t overlook motorway taxes and/or toll charges. Motorway taxes are payable in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Switzerland. Heavy fines are imposed for non-payment, Tolls are payable on many motorways in Europe.
• Drive on the right and overtake on the left except when travelling in the UK, Cyprus and Malta.

Ends

Notes to the editor;

(The below data was collected via an online poll issued on 14/07/14)

Fig. 1 How confident/unconfident are you at the prospect of driving on the right hand side of the road while driving in a right hand drive country? (Based on 2,495 responses)

Fig. 2 How confident/unconfident are you at the prospect of driving on the right hand side of the road while driving in a right hand drive country? (Based on 1,793 responses)

(MALE RESPONDENTS ONLY)

Fig. 3 How confident/unconfident are you at the prospect of driving on the right hand side of the road while driving in a right hand drive country? (Based on 1,328 responses)

(FEMALE RESPONDENTS ONLY)

Fig. 4 In terms of driving abroad how nervous, if at all, would you say the following make you? (Based on 2,432 responses) :

Fig. 5 Have you ever been stopped by police while driving/travelling as a passenger while abroad? (Based on 2,487 responses)

Fig. 6 Have you ever been stopped by police while driving/travelling as a passenger while abroad?

MALE RESPONDENTS ONLY (Based on 1,793 responses)

Fig. 7 Have you ever been stopped by police while driving/travelling as a passenger while abroad?

FEMALE RESPONDENTS ONLY (Based on 1,317 responses)

Fig. 8 Which of the following is true in your case in relation to being stopped by police when driving abroad?  (Based on 291 responses)

Fig. 9 Of those who have been stopped by local police, below are the top 5 country/continent in which the most recent incident occurred: